Mon. Jan. 19

One of our favorite programming devices or hooks is the Cooldige Corner Theatre's long-running series, "Science on Screen." Generally speaking, they show a film with science (or science fiction) at its core and bring in an expert to discuss the science, or lack thereof, going on up on screen. Something different is happening in the series Monday Jan. 19 at 7. The movie is "Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey." Boston rock fans may be aware of several bands that have employed this ancient, sometimes eerie and unpredictable instrument in their songs. Over the years, the ethereal, otherworldly sounds of the theremin became the backdrop to scores of science fiction and horror films (particularly in the ‘50s), and have inspired numerous musicians, from the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson to synthesizer pioneer Moog.  Director Steven Martin's documentary deftly explores the remarkable story of Theremin the man, and traces the lasting influence of his work. "Leon Theremin pioneered the idea of the artist as scientist," Martin said of his film in a Billboard magazine interview. "I just want to see the creative journey of a great man come full circle."

This film, made in 1994, delves into the strange life of Theremin. He made music as unusual as the life he lived.  In 1918, using newly discovered vacuum-tube technology, the Russian-born scientist invented a musical instrument unlike any the world had seen before: one that utilizes electronic oscillation to produce its sound and is played entirely without human contact.  Theremin toured the United States and Europe giving public recitals, and became the toast of New York City's artists and intellectuals during the roaring '20s.  But in 1938, at the height of his promising career in the U.S., Theremin mysteriously disappeared. Decades later, it was discovered he had been abducted by KGB agents and interred in a Russian prison camp to be "rehabilitated." Later, Theremin even developed pioneering spy technology for Stalin's regime during the Cold War.
 

Before the film, MIT Professor of Music and Media Tod Machover will join us to discuss his pioneering work as a composer and inventor of new technologies for music. Machover will also be on hand for Q&A after the movie. This program will also feature a short performance by orchestral thereminist Dalit Hadass Warshaw, a faculty member in the composition/theory department at the Boston Conservatory.
Machover is widely recognized as one of the most significant and innovative composers of his generation.  His music has been acclaimed for breaking traditional artistic and cultural boundaries, offering a unique synthesis of acoustic and electronic sound. Machover’s compositions have been commissioned and performed by many of the world's most prestigious ensembles and soloists. His latest opera, "Skellig," garnered rave reviews and standing ovations at its UK premiere performances in November 2008.  Machover has been professor of Music and Media at the MIT Media Lab since it was founded in 1985, and is also Visiting Professor of Composition at the Royal Academy of Music in London.

Machover is himself a remarkable figure in the worlds of music and technology.  He has pioneered many new technologies for music, most notably his Hyperinstruments that use smart computers to augment musical expression and creativity. He has designed Hyperinstruments for some of the world's greatest musicians, from Yo-Yo Ma to Prince, as well as for the general public, for children, and for use in a variety of healthcare contexts. Starts at 7. Tickets: $9.75.

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